Decisions led by Aboriginal People in Three Rivers Region

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Sarah Mitchell today visited Dubbo to sign a landmark agreement between Aboriginal peoples in the Three Rivers region and the NSW Government.

Minister Mitchell said this important milestone was achieved after careful negotiation and planning, and was delivered through the NSW Government’s Local Decision Making initiative.

“Local Decision Making is another way the NSW Government is putting Aboriginal people in the driver’s seat when it comes to designing solutions to meet local communities’ needs in a number of areas, including education, housing, economic development, and health,” Ms Mitchell said.

“The signing of this Accord marks a key step in the implementation of OCHRE, and affirms the NSW Government’s commitment to working side by side with Aboriginal people to deliver tangible outcomes.”

This is the third agreement signed between a regional alliance and the NSW Government as part of Local Decision Making, an initiative of OCHRE, the NSW Government’s landmark community focused plan for Aboriginal affairs.

NSW Nationals candidate for Dubbo Dugald Saunders said the Accord is fantastic news for the local community.

“Members of the Assembly have committed to working with government in partnership to drive innovation, to deliver opportunities and importantly to improve services,” Mr Saunders said.

“This agreement is putting Aboriginal people in charge, which is crucial in bringing meaningful change to our community.”

Rod Towney, Chairperson of the Three Rivers Regional Assembly said this is a major step forward for Aboriginal peoples in the region.

“This is the first time we as Aboriginal people have been invited to the table to negotiate with Government on an even footing about how services are delivered,” Mr Towney said.

“This marks huge progress and a solid base from which the Assembly and Government can implement the commitments we have negotiated.”

The Three Rivers Local Decision Making Accord focuses on the following key objectives for the region:

Substantially strengthening the health of Aboriginal peoples;

Implementing an Aboriginal Housing Strategy that focuses on improving housing;

Improving access, participation and educational achievements;

Increasing economic opportunity and; and

Investing in the Three Rivers Regional Assembly’s governance and capacity to deliver Phase 1 of the Accord by 2021.